Sensory Processing in Autism: An Essential Parent Guide

Written by Dr Lucy Russell DClinPsyc CPsychol AFBPsS

I know you’re here because you want to understand your child better, and I’m here to help.

Perhaps you’ve noticed your child covering their ears when the hoover starts, or maybe they can’t stand the feel of certain clothes?

You might even have a child who seems to crash into everything, seeking out rough-and-tumble play at every opportunity.

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore the basics of sensory processing in autism and how to support your autistic child.

Let’s Start with the Basics: What Is Sensory Processing?

Think of your child’s brain as a sophisticated control centre.

Every day, it receives thousands of messages from their senses about the world around them.

For most of us, our brain sorts these messages efficiently – rather like a well-organised post office.

But for autistic children, this process generally isn’t quite so smooth.

Meet Tommy: A Case Study

Let me tell you about Tommy, a bright 7-year-old I worked with (name and a few details changed for privacy).

Tommy’s mum was worried because he would become extremely upset during morning routines. The label in his school jumper felt like “needles on his skin,” and the sound of his sister’s cereal crunching at breakfast would make him cover his ears and cry. At school, he struggled to sit still during carpet time because the bright displays on the walls felt “too loud” for his eyes.

Tommy’s story helps us understand how sensory processing differences can affect everyday life. It can be so stressful for both the child and their parents.

Can you relate? Let’s explore how you can support your own child if they have similar challenges.

The Eight Senses (Yes, Eight!)

You probably learnt about five senses at school, but we actually have eight! Let me explain them in everyday terms:

1. Sight (Visual)
2. Sound (Auditory)
3. Touch (Tactile)
4. Taste
5. Smell
6. Balance (Vestibular) – This helps you know if you’re upright or upside down
7. Body Awareness (Proprioception) – This tells you where your body parts are without looking
8. Internal Feelings (Interoception) – This tells you if you’re hungry, need the loo, or feel hot

When Senses Work Differently

Your child might experience the world in one of two ways:

Over-Sensitive (Everything Feels Too Much)

• Like trying to work with your radio at full volume
• The world feels too loud, too bright, too scratchy
• Example: A child who can’t bear the feel of sand between their toes

Under-Sensitive (Need More Input, Often Seek Strong Sensations)

• Like watching TV with the volume too low – you keep turning it up because you need more input to “feel” the experience
• Your nervous system needs extra-strong signals to register sensations – like preferring spicy curries, or needing lots of spinning and movement to feel where your body is in space
• Example: A child who constantly seeks tight hugs or rough play because their body needs more intense pressure to register touch sensations

The really confusing bit is that your child may have a profile that is a mix of over-sensitive and under-sensitive. For example, they may be over-sensitive to smells, but seek out firm touch (under-sensitive)

Real-Life Situations You Might Recognise

At Home

• Getting dressed might be a daily battle because seams or socks feel “wrong”
• Mealtimes could be tricky because different food textures and smells are too much
• Bath time might be an issue because of the sensation of the water, or because the transitions between hot and cold feel stressful.

At School

• The school hall at lunch might be too noisy or smelly
• PE might be challenging because there’s so much movement and shouting
• Your child might struggle to sit still during lessons because they need more movement input than they are getting

These are just examples. There are hundreds more ways your child might be experience sensory processing difficulties.

When Should You Seek Help?

You know your child best. If their sensory differences are:

• Making them very unhappy
• Affecting their learning
• Making family life difficult
• Stopping them from joining in activities they’d like to do

Then it’s worth speaking to your GP or your child’s teacher about getting some extra support.

Sensory Processing Difficulties: What Sort of Help is Available?

Both occupational therapists and child clinical psychologists can help with sensory processing difficulties, offering complementary approaches.

Occupational therapists typically focus on practical interventions, creating personalized “sensory diets” that include activities like deep pressure exercises, weighted blankets, or specialist headphones and earplugs. The sensory diet is designed to help your child regulate their sensory processing, meaning that they feel more comfortable and remain within their window of tolerance.

OTs (occupational therapists) will also help you modify environments to reduce overwhelming stimuli for your child.

Child clinical psychologists (like me!) approach sensory challenges through a behavioral and emotional lens, helping children develop coping strategies and addressing any associated anxiety or stress.

Clinical psychologists often work on building emotional vocabulary to express sensory discomfort and teach cognitive (thinking) strategies for managing overwhelming situations.

Occupational therapists and clinical psychologists frequently collaborate, with occupational therapists providing hands-on sensory integration therapy while psychologists support the child’s emotional resilience and family adaptation to new routines.

Supporting Your Child at Home

Here are some gentle ways you can help:

1. Create a Calm Space
   Make a quiet corner with soft cushions and minimal decoration where they can go when things feel too much.
2. Respect Their Limits
   If they say something is too loud or too scratchy, believe them. Their experience is real.
3. Give Warning (autistic brains sometimes need longer to adapt to change)
   Let them know about loud or busy situations in advance: “We’re going to the supermarket soon. It might be quite noisy.”

Life With Sensory Processing Differences Gets Easier

Every child is different, and that’s what makes them special. But what I have seen in more than twenty years of working with autistic children – and getting to see many of them as they grow up – is that generally life gets easier for all children with sensory processing issues.

As children move towards adulthood, they get to make choices that are more in line with their sensory profile.

For example, if they struggle with loud noise, they may choose friendship circles, hobbies and workplaces that are quieter.

Many children with sensory processing differences grow up to be brilliant, creative adults who use their unique way of experiencing the world to their advantage.

Some will become talented musicians because of their sensitive hearing, or brilliant chefs because they can detect subtle flavour combinations and textures others might miss.

Others may become gifted artists, scientists or sound engineers because they see the world in detail others might miss.

Your Next Steps

If you’re concerned about your child’s sensory processing:

1. Keep a diary of situations that seem difficult
2. Share your observations with your child’s teacher
3. Talk to your GP if you need more support. Ask for a referral to an occupational therapist or child clinical psychologist.
4. Consider taking Embracing Autism, the online course I run with 4 brilliant colleagues. In the course you will gain an in-depth understanding of sensory processing and how your child is affected. We cover many other topics too!

Understanding sensory processing is like learning a new language – it takes time, but it helps you communicate better with your child.

By reading this guide, you’ve already taken the first step towards helping your child thrive in their own unique way.

Remember, you’re doing a great job just by trying to understand your child better. Sometimes, that understanding is the most powerful support you can offer.

Related Articles

6 Sensory Sleep Strategies: Better Bedtimes For Your Child

Sensory Issues in Teenagers: Symptoms, Treatment and Support

10 Brilliant Sensory Activities for Autistic Teenagers

Dr Lucy Russell is a UK clinical psychologist who works with children and families. Her work involves both therapeutic support and autism assessments. She is the Clinical Director of Everlief Child Psychology, and also worked in the National Health Service for many years.

In 2019 Lucy launched They Are The Future, a support website for parents of school-aged children. Through TATF Lucy is passionate about giving practical, manageable strategies to parents and children who may otherwise struggle to find the support they need.

Lucy is a mum to two teenage children. She lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband, children, rescue dog and three rescue cats. She enjoys caravanning and outdoor living, singing and musical theatre.

UK parents! Are you ready to boost your family’s wellbeing and kickstart your child’s journey towards brilliant mental health?

This FREE 20-minute course from Dr. Lucy Russell, with quick-start strategies will help you and your family begin your journey to flourishing mental health!

🔍 What’s Inside?

✅ Quick quiz to assess your starting point

🎥 Short and engaging video lessons

💡 Practical strategies to implement today

Yours for 3 days

In just 20 minutes, I will give you tools to enhance your family’s wellbeing.

Together, we can move towards a calm, happy family life and boost your child’s wellbeing. Get your free course now!